“The Mullum Mullum Festival respects Aboriginal culture and heritage. We acknowledge the Wurundjeri people as the traditional custodians of the land we know as the Mullum Mullum Valley and we value the significance of their story as essential to the unique character of the local area.”

$2.00 donation per person per session is appreciated

Sat 28 AprilSun 29 April (Opening Day)

Sat 5 MaySun 6 May

THE 18TH

MULLUM MULLUM FESTIVAL2018

DAY 1 SATURDAY 28 APRIL

DAY 2 SUNDAY 29 APRIL OPENING DAY WALKS

DAY 3 SATURDAY 5 MAY8.30am Walk and talk - Walk the whole Mullum Mullum Valley, Part 1: Upper Mullum Mullum bushlands – Ken McInnesWalk through remnant and restored bushland from the creek’s source in Ringwood to the historic Schwerkolt Cottage in Mitcham, on the plateau that divides the Yarra River and Dandenong Creek catchments. Local naturalist and bush walker, Ken McInnes, will lead this guided walk along the Mullum Mullum Trail. 8.5km, approx. 4.5hrs.Bring a smile and a small day pack with water bottle and snacks. Wear appropriate clothes and footwear to suit the weather.Meet at 8.30am at the Schwerkolt Cottage carpark, Deep Creek Road, Mitcham, Melway 49 D7, from where a free bus will take people to the start of the walk.Please confirm your intention to go on this walk at mmf.committee@gmail.com ph 9719 7661 or 0409 519 829

10am Walk and talk - Mosses and liverworts – Dr Matt DellMatt will lead a walk through Mullum Mullum Park where he will point out mosses and related species (bryophytes), discuss their ecology and some of the differences between bryophytes and other plant groups. Participants will gain a new perspective of the forest floor and its contribution to plant species diversity in the local area.Meet at 10.00am at the Schwerkolt Cottage carpark, Deep Creek Road, Mitcham. Melway 49 D7Please bring a jewellers loupe 10× if you have one.

10am Presentation followed by a walk and talk - Geomorphology – Dr Ian RutherfurdJoin Associate Professor Ian Rutherfurd for a short presentation followed by a walk along the Mullum Mullum Creek and adjacent slopes to look at the major geological formations and talk about the processes that have shaped the Valley. Ian specialises in fluvial geomorphology and river and catchment management. He is currently President of the Institute of Australian Geographers and the Australian and New Zealand Geomorphology Group.Meet at Yarran Dheran Information Centre, Ashburton Drive, Mitcham. Melway 49 B6

6.30pm Walk and talk - Spotlighting – Ray GibsonJoin local naturalist Ray for an evening of spotlighting in search of nocturnal wildlife including sugar gliders, possums, bats and owls. Spotlights with red filters will be provided.

Bring a small torch to help find your way in the dark, and your binoculars. We love children, but please leave your pooch at home. Not very suitable for prams.Meet at the entrance of Yarran Dheran Reserve Information Centre, Ashburton Drive, Mitcham. Melway 49 B6

10.30am Outdoor session - Tai Chi session (20 mins) – Tai Chi Master Konrad Dorn Tai Chi is based on the principles of nature, Tao, Yin and Yang and the 5 Elements. By observing these principles in nature, the exercises were developed to generate and harmonise the energies in the body. Konrad will guide you through a Tai Chi session. 11am Walk and talk - Mullum Mullum meander with Mandarin interpreter – John Harris with Nancy Zhao Join wildlife consultant and educator John Harris on a walk through local bushland in the Mullum Mullum Valley. With help from Mandarin interpreter Nancy, learn about the native plants, animals and introduced pests, that live there. 11am Walk and talk - Aboriginal use of plants – Lenka Vanderboom Come on a morning walk to take in this internationally significant site. We will consider the processes that maintain culture and the environment, and the variety of resources harvested by First Nations people in the multi-level organic supermarket around us. A heartening look into the past, present and future which will end with a warming cup of medicinal bark tea. 4pm Walk and talk - Mullum Mullum meander with Arabic interpreter – David De Angelis with Mervat DahdouleJoin ecological consultant and local naturalist David De Angelis on a walk through local bushland in the Mullum Mullum Valley. With help from Arabic interpreter Mervat, learn about the native plants, animals and introduced pests that live there.

For these events, meet at the Yarran Dheran Information Centre, Ashburton Drive, Mitcham. Melway 49 B6

DAY 2 SUNDAY 29 APRIL FESTIVAL OPENING

Opening words – Uncle John BaxterUncle John Baxter is an Aboriginal man born with disability. He was born in the town of

Robinvale, Victoria and was transferred to the Royal Children’s Hospital when only a couple of week’s old for various operations and medical treatments. However, when discharged from hospital, John was not returned to his parents and family but sent to baby and children’s homes in the eastern suburbs before being fostered to a non-aboriginal family. It wasn’t until his late teens when he finally started the long journey of identity. Over the decades John continues to devote a lot of his time to supporting and yarning with persons with disability and community.

Musical performance – Robbie Greig and David JohnstonMelbourne-based, award winning singer-songwriter Robbie Greig has

been described as “the troubadour with a groove”, and “maker of music, maker of magic”. Robbie will perform with singer and percussionist David Johnston, who has been a part of various musical collaborations including Ringwood East’s Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place Choir and Band. Robbie’s songs are played frequently on ABC Radio, 3CR, 3RRR and Koori stations around Victoria.Together they will perform a number of reconciliation songs, including Robbie’s Wurundjeri Sorry Song.

Screening – Documentary “The Apology” (28 mins)As this year marks the tenth anniversary of The Apology we want to give some time for serious thought by all of us, including those in the community who may not know much about it, or may be recent arrivals. The screening with be followed by a talking circle.Talking circle – “The Apology” with Aunty Daphne Milward, John Baxter and Howard TankeyWe will discuss how far we have come since the apology to the stolen generations, and the significant amount of work that still needs to be done.This discussion will feature Aunty Daphne Milward, a former board member of Stolen Generations Victoria, and Uncle John Baxter, a member of the stolen generations, and Whitehorse Reconciliation Advisory Group member Howard Tankey.Basket Weaving workshop – Aunty Irene Norman, Mullum Mullum ElderAunty Irene Norman is a proud Wailwan/Wiradjuri Elder with a passion for cultural expression through art and music, recognised for producing moving works that have been inspired by her life and connection to country. Aunty Irene will guide you through the process of weaving traditional baskets and bowls using jute, string and the shredded leaves of indigenous plants.

Craft workshop – Judy Nicholson and James SimonsWurundjeri woman Judy, and Wiradjuri man Jim, will show you a range of Aboriginal crafts such as basket weaving, ochre painting, boomerang, clap stick and spear making, and they will help you to make a start on your own project.Weapon craft with Murnong Dave – Murnong DaveMurnong Dave is an Aboriginal craftsman and educator. Learn about traditional Aboriginal weaponry of South Eastern Australia, understand the local ecology, how materials are gathered from the landscape, and how the weapons are made. Have a go at using the spear thrower and killing boomerang, and make something to take home.

The Great Tree Project DisplayThe Great Forest National Park is proposed to permanently protect the forests of Victoria’s Central Highlands from Kinglake National Park to Mount Baw Baw.

The Victorian Mountain Ash is the tallest flowering plant in the world and the life it supports is truly unique. It is the habitat of the nationally endangered Leadbeater’s Possum, yet these trees are being cut down to supply pulp for paper and timber products despite being classified as critically endangered by the IUCN.

In support of the conservation of these very tall trees participants of The Great Tree Project aim to knit a life-size 2-dimensional tree. When finished, they will be ‘staking the tree out’ on the ground in various locations to show just how tall these trees are.

12.30 – 3pm Food platters, coffee and tea for salePlatters will comprise savoury vegetarian finger food goodies from the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre, vege-sticks, fruit, and Uncle Herb Patten’s freshly made damper with outback flavoured chutneys and jams.

1.30 – 4pm Opening words, displays, musical performances, talking circle, documentary screening, and craft workshops

Aboriginal History TimelineThe banner displays the key events and policy achievements in Aboriginal history. It is used for cultural awareness, and was painted on calico by Karen Milward with Aunty Judy Monk and Leah Stark. On loan from the Mullum Mullum Indigenous Gathering Place.

All activities on Opening Day are at Yarran Dheran Reserve, Ashburton Drive, Mitcham. Melway 49 B6For Opening Day walks and talks, please see the page to the left

Arts and crafts displayA collection of Aboriginal arts and crafts will be on display.

DAY 3 SATURDAY 5 MAY continued

DAY 4 SUNDAY 6 MAY

Sturdy footwear and appropriate clothes are essential for all walks, and don’t forget your water bottle and sun protection.

11.30am Walk and talk - Invasive species – Steve MathewsEcologist Steve Mathews will discuss the impact of invasive species on the biodiversity remnants of the Mullum Valley with some observations on approaches to management, and more generally, touch briefly on some of the issues around invasive species at a state and national level. Some reference will be made to the effects of climate change on invasive species. Steve is a founding member and past president of the Invasive Species Council. Mullum Mullum Linear Park. Meet at carpark opposite Raymond Elliott Court on Tindals Rd, Donvale. Melway 34 J10

1pm Walk and talk - Conservation status of the Mullum Mullum flora – David CameronJoin Senior Botanist David Cameron on a walk exploring local plant species. Learn about the process of assessing species for conservation status in accordance with the criteria of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as well as the importance of the current review into the assessment process, and the present and future threats to the flora of the local area.Meet at the entrance to Mullum Mullum Park at the park sign opposite 7 Chaim Ct, Donvale. Melway 49 C6

1pm Presentation - Wetlands – Prof. Paul BoonPaul will talk about the aquatic ecology of the Yarra River, of which the Mullum Mullum is a subcatchment, and how it has changed since European colonisation of the region in the mid-19th century. He will describe the different reaches of the river and the types of wetlands associated with each section. Changes to the river, its floodplain and wetlands are described, along with photographic evidence of more recent (post WW2) changes to vegetation. Paul will finish with a brief overview of how environmental flows are determined to rehabilitate the river and its floodplain.Currawong Bush Park Conference Centre, 277 Reynolds Rd, Doncaster East. Melway 34 H6

2.30pm Walk and talk - Macroinvertebrates (water bugs) – Yvonne CabuangDo you know how many different types of animals live in our wetlands and waterways? Discover the world of aquatic macroinvertebrates during this guided walk. As well as being fascinating and diverse, waterbugs have different sensitivities to pollution. Learn more about these sensitives and how Melbourne Water collects this data to monitor the health of our waterways. Yvonne completed her university studies exploring waterbugs in Melbourne, and now works as Waterwatch Coordinator managing Melbourne Water’s Waterbug Census citizen science program.Wetlands at Currawong Bush Park. Meet in the north carpark, 277 Reynolds Rd, Doncaster East. Melway 34 H6

4pm Presentation - Climate change and the Mullum Mullum: where are we now and where are we heading? – Prof. David Karoly, Leader, Earth Systems and Climate Change Hub, National Environmental Science Program, CSIROClimate change is already having significant impacts across Australia that are affecting the Mullum Mullum Valley. Seasonal flowering is occurring earlier, heatwaves and bushfires are more intense and more frequent, and rainfall patterns are changing. Much worse is in store if we don’t rapidly and substantially reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. We know how to do this. The transition to a zero carbon society provides many opportunities for better, healthier and more sustainable communities with more jobs in new industries.Currawong Bush Park Conference Centre, 277 Reynolds Rd, Doncaster East. Melway 34 H6

6pm Presentation - Urban platypuses: threats and challenges – Josh GriffithsPlatypuses remain widely distributed throughout the greater Melbourne area. However, urban environments pose major challenges for wildlife and platypus populations have declined substantially. Urban waterways are significantly degraded, primarily due to altered flow regimes from stormwater run-off from hard surfaces, but urban environments also bring increased pollutants, litter, and human disturbance. Come and learn about the latest in platypus research and what you can do to help protect platypuses. Currawong Bush Park Conference Centre, 277 Reynolds Rd, Doncaster East. Melway 34 H6

8.30am Walk and talk - Walk the whole Mullum Mullum Valley, Part 2: Middle and lower Mullum Mullum bushlands – Ken McInnesWalk from Schwerkolt Cottage, through the Mullum Mullum Gorge, past Currawong Bush Park to historic Pontville Homestead and the ‘meeting place’ with the Yarra River at Tikalara Park. Local naturalist and bush walker, Ken McInnes, will lead this guided walk along formed tracks, with some short sections off track. 13km, approx. 7 hrs. Wear appropriate footwear to suit some unmade paths, and clothing to suit the weather. Bring a smile and a small day pack with water bottle and lunch.Meet at 8.30am in Websters Road, Templestowe, Melway 34 D2, from where a free bus will take people to the start of the walk. Please confirm your intention to go on this walk at mmf.committee@gmail.com or 9719 7661

Eastern Climate Action Melbourne will provide afternoon tea on 5 and 6 May at Currawong Bush Park. Please bring your own lunch on these days.

9am Presentation and short walk - Birds of the Mullum Mullum Valley – Geoff RussellJoin Geoff Russell from Birdlife Australia, a knowledgeable birdwatcher and an experienced and informative walk leader on a 3km stroll along the bushland tracks around the Mullum Mullum Creek. He will help you find and identify some of the many species of birds that are in the Reserve at this time of the year. Bring binoculars if you have them.Meet at Yarran Dheran Information Centre, Ashburton Drive, Mitcham. Melway 49 B6Bookings essential as limitation on numbers. Email mmf.committee@gmail.com or ph 9719 7661 or 0409 519 829

10am—12pm Children’s activity (ages 3-10) - Nature Play -- Nigel Philpot, Environmental Education Officer Manningham City CouncilJoin local rangers for a morning of activities for children and parents including a kangaroo bush walk and nature play. Come prepared for a walk in the bush and to jump in muddy puddles. Meet at north carpark at Currawong Bush Park, 277 Reynolds Rd, Doncaster East. Melway 34 H6Children must be supervised all times. And carer participation is always a hoot!Bookings: 9719 7661 or 0409 519 829 or email mmf.committee@gmail.com

1pm Walk and talk - The six seasons of the Yarra Valley – Glen JamesonInspired by Aboriginal knowledge of seasons and Alan Reid’s call to find the local seasons, former ranger Glen convened the Middle Yarra Timelines Committee which produced the Middle Yarra Six Seasons Calendar based on naturalist observations of the local bushlands. Across Australia local communities have developed their own calendars after finding the European four-season calendar was inappropriate to describe local conditions. Meet at Currawong Bush Park Conference Centre, 277 Reynolds Rd, Doncaster East. Melway 34 H6

3pm Presentation - Listening to the Wild! – Andrew SkeochThe sounds of our natural environment are comprised of many voices; birdsong, frog choruses, seasonal insect choirs, mammal calls… How have all these varied animal repertoires evolved? And how can we appreciate and find meaning in listening to the natural soundworld around us? Join naturalist and bioacoustics researcher, Andrew Skeoch, as he presents beautiful and fascinating recordings and sonograms from wild places both local and exotic and inspires you to hear, visualise and look at the world afresh. Currawong Bush Park Conference Centre, 277 Reynolds Rd, Doncaster East. Melway 34 H6Listen to the Wild CD’s will be for sale.

DAY 4 SUNDAY 6 MAY continued4.30pm Walk and talk - Bushland management – Darcy DugganJoin naturalist and botanist, Darcy Duggan, on a walk through the Chaim Court section of Mullum Mullum Park from the valley slopes to the creek. Learn about the identifying features of the indigenous flora and the influence of soil type and fire history. Discussion will cover the history of the site and focus on how to manage the forest to maximise the diversity of life. Meet at the entrance to Mullum Mullum Park at the park sign opposite 7 Chaim Ct, Donvale. Melway 49 C6Bring your magnifier hand lens.Bookings essential - limitation on numbers. Ph 9719 7661 or 0409 519 829 or email mmf.committee@gmail.com

4.30pm Presentation and walk and talk - Invertebrates – Dr Paul Horn and Angelica Cameron While entomologists Dr Paul Horne and Angelica Cameron, of IPM Technologies, have worked mostly in agriculture, they have also worked on conservation assessments, including in the Mullum Mullum Creek area prior to the freeway extension. Learn about some of the invertebrates that live in the Mullum Mullum Valley and discover the indirect evidence left for us to follow.Currawong Bush Park Conference Centre, 277 Reynolds Rd, Doncaster East. Melway 34 H6

6pm Presentation and short walk - Autumn frogs of Melbourne’s north-east – Craig CleelandMelbourne has around a dozen species of frog which have evolved in relative isolation for at least 45 million years. Over that period they have occupied a range of habitats and developed some unusual life histories and adaptations. None illustrate this better than the Victorian Smooth Froglet. Join us at 100 Acres Reserve in search of this elusive species and probably one or two others as we unravel some of the amazing diversity of our local frog fauna.Meet at Room 2, Domeney Recreation Centre, Knees Road, Park Orchards. Melway 35 E9

11.30am Presentation followed by a walk and talk - Fabulous Fungi - what they do for our bushlands – Dr Sapphire McMullan-FisherFungi are the hidden links in our healthy bushlands. Listen to a presentation on how fungi are plant partners, recyclers of nutrients, providers of food and habitat for animals and why not all fungal diseases are bad. Then go for a walk looking for fungal treasures! Sapphire is an ecologist who educates the community about healthy bushlands, particularly how to manage fungi.Currawong Bush Park Conference Centre, 277 Reynolds Rd, Doncaster East. Melway 34 H6

Celebrating the ecological and cultural values of the Mullum Mullum Creek ValleyThe catchment of the Mullum Mullum Creek in the municipalities of Maroondah, Whitehorse and Manningham is home to more than 60,000 people, but it also encompasses some of the largest and best preserved areas of remnant bush in urban Melbourne and more than 120 species of indigenous birds, as well as many mammals, reptiles and countless invertebrates.

The Festival was inaugurated in 1995 by concerned individuals in the local community, who opposed the Eastern Freeway extension through the valley and who wanted to play an active role in promoting the natural values of the local area.

During the Festival you will have the opportunity to learn about the biodiversity and the cultural heritage of the Mullum Mullum Valley. As usual, the walks organised for this Festival cover a wide range of aspects of the valley; there is always something new to see. The 18th Festival is held in autumn and will be followed by another festival in 2019.

The Mullum Mullum Valley supports valuable habitat for a range of flora and fauna and forms an important connection, linking the foothill forests of Maroondah to the Yarra River in Templestowe. The continued preservation and enhancement of this corridor is vital for the survival of the plants and animals that depend on it, and for ensuring that future generations retain an environment to enjoy.

We hope that you leave the 18th Mullum Mullum Festival with greater understanding and knowledge of this beautiful native bushland and the flora and fauna within.

Get InvolvedThe Mullum Mullum Creek Valley needs your assistance! Learn what you can do to help preserve this beautiful piece of native Australian bushland. If you would like to contribute to the next Mullum Mullum Festival, please join our committee – we would love to hear from you!

ContactMonique Decortis ph. 9719 7661, David De Angelis 0409 519 829,

or email mmf.committee@gmail.com | PO Box 173, Mitcham, 3132

Mullum Mullum Festival Inc. A0037017H www.mullummullumfestival.org.au

www.facebook.com/MullumMullumFestival

Acknowledgements

This project is supported by the grant programs of Manningham and Whitehorse City Councils, and the financial assistance from Steve, Sue and Danny Matthews.

We also acknowledge the support of Maroondah City Council.Thank you to Ian Moodie, Matt Dell, Sapphire McMullan-Fisher, Barbara Oehring

and Auntie Irene Norman for the use of their photos.Brochure design by Danny Cohen and Alexander Collum, using Pauline Hill’s template. Printed on Envirocare 100% recycled paper with vegetable inks by PrintTogether.

All activities on Opening Day are at Yarran Dheran Reserve, Ashburton Drive, Mitcham. Melway 49 B6For Opening Day walks and talks, please see the page to the left